Lesson 5.3 — Real PCP Case Study: ARCHIVER at CERN
Real PCP Case Study: ARCHIVER at CERN
Watch the embedded video above, then use this page to review the central concepts, evidence and practical implications.
Lesson content
João Fernandes presents ARCHIVER, a CERN-led joint PCP that developed and tested cloud-based archiving and digital-preservation services for research environments.
What you will learn
- Describe the ARCHIVER challenge, buyers group and R&D scope
- Trace the preparation, design, prototype and pilot phases
- Explain how agile sprints and structured feedback supported development
- Compare the Arkivum and Libnova outcomes
- Apply six lessons on procurement, resources, feedback and sustainability
ARCHIVER: competitive R&D from evidence to pilots
The case demonstrates how a joint buyers group progressively reduced technical uncertainty while retaining competition.
Execution lesson: competition reduced R&D risk, but buyer-side requirements, sprint feedback and testing still required substantial resources.
Key terms
| OAIS | Open Archival Information System reference model for long-term digital preservation. |
|---|---|
| Federated IAM | Identity and Access Management across participating organisations and services. |
| Agile sprint | A short development cycle used to prioritise, deliver and test user stories. |
| TCO calculator | A tool for modelling service cost across volume, access, safety, processing and retention choices. |
Six lessons learned
Streamline procurement → Structure feedback → Use agile with a clear roadmap → Plan buyer-side resources → Coordinate dissemination → Support sustainable post-PCP adoption.
Before you continue
Reflection: Which ARCHIVER lesson would most reduce execution risk in your next innovation procurement?
Lesson resources: S5-L3 — full ARCHIVER case-study deck for the project sequence and results; ARCHIVER White Paper for deeper evidence; project website for background. Confirm that the deck displays in the correct orientation before publishing.
